Govt to engage political parties, farmers over planned long marches

Back-channel contacts with PTI

The government has also started back-channel contacts with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has announced a protest for September 27. According to sources, communication with the PTI leadership is taking place through the party’s chairman, Barrister Gohar.

The move indicates that the government is trying to keep communication open with political groups planning protests. Officials are expected to assess the concerns raised by the PTI while also working to prevent tensions from escalating.

Farmers announce Islamabad long march

The government has also decided to engage the Kissan Ittehad, a farmers’ alliance that has announced a long march towards Islamabad. The farmers have planned their march for September 25.

Sources said the government has directed the Punjab government to hold talks with the alliance and discuss its concerns. The decision to involve the Punjab government reflects the administration’s effort to address the farmers’ demands before the planned march reaches the federal capital.

Government considers designated protest venue

Sources said the government is considering allowing protesting groups to hold demonstrations at a specific venue. The move could provide protesters with a designated place to voice their demands while helping authorities manage security and traffic.

A specific location could also reduce the chances of protests blocking major roads or disrupting normal activities in Islamabad. However, any decision on the venue will depend on discussions between the government and the protesting groups.

Law and order remains a key concern

The government has indicated that maintaining law and order will remain a priority if negotiations fail. Sources said authorities would take all necessary steps to maintain peace and protect public property.

“The government will take all necessary steps for maintenance of law and order, if the talks fail,” sources added. The statement suggests that the government wants to resolve the issue through talks but is also preparing for possible protests if no agreement is reached.

Multiple protests create pressure on govt

The government is facing planned protests from several groups within a short period. JI has announced its long march for September 20, while the Kissan Ittehad plans to march on September 25. PTI has separately announced a protest for September 27.

The close timing of the planned activities could create additional pressure on the authorities, particularly if large numbers of protesters gather in Islamabad. The government’s decision to open talks with the groups appears aimed at reducing the possibility of confrontation.

Fuel prices remain a major issue

JI’s planned protest is linked to the Petroleum Development Levy and rising fuel prices. The levy adds to the overall cost of petroleum products and has remained a major concern for consumers and political groups.

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Higher fuel prices can also affect transportation costs and increase the prices of goods and services. The government may face pressure to explain its fuel pricing policy and respond to demands for relief.

Farmers seek govt attention

The Kissan Ittehad’s planned long march has added another issue to the government’s list of concerns. Farmers have frequently raised issues related to agricultural costs, electricity prices, crop prices and other economic challenges.

The government’s decision to direct the Punjab administration to engage the farmers suggests that authorities want to address their concerns through negotiations. The outcome of these talks could determine whether the planned march goes ahead as announced.

Dialogue may help avoid confrontation

Holding talks with the protesting groups could allow the government to address their demands before the protests begin. Dialogue may also help reduce tensions between protesters and authorities.

For the government, reaching an understanding with the groups could help prevent disruptions in Islamabad and other areas. For the protesting parties, negotiations could provide a way to present their demands without immediately resorting to large-scale street protests.

What happens next

Government teams are expected to continue contact with JI, PTI and the Kissan Ittehad in the coming days. The success of these discussions could determine whether the planned long marches and protests take place as announced.

If negotiations produce progress, the government may be able to prevent the protests from escalating. However, if talks fail, authorities may have to make security arrangements and manage large gatherings in accordance with the law.